Airport Operators Association Media Release
For immediate release – 4 February 2011
Aviation is key to helping deliver Nick Clegg’s future economic model.
Today (4th February) the Deputy Prime Minister will set out his vision for a future economic model for the UK based on enterprise and investment moving away from an over-reliance on London.
He will say ministers are investing in services, including transport and the supply of skills and education that businesses need, while weaning the country off debt-financed growth.
Mr Clegg will also talk about boosting competitiveness and opening up markets.
Responding to the comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister, Airport Operators Association Chief Executive, Darren Caplan says ‘the Government’s view of aviation is clearly at odds with their desire to open up new markets and create a new economic model based on enterprise and investment.
He added that ‘to help encourage inward investment and open markets links to, and from, countries such as Brazil, India and China are needed throughout the UK; these countries are only accessible by air. Without these links investors will simply chose the UK’s European competitors, such as Frankfurt and Paris to do business. Aviation is vital to help the government achieve its aims.
‘Added to this, aviation is fully funded by private capital and paying some £8bn of revenue to the Exchequer will help to reduce the UK’s deficit.’
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Note to Editors:
For further information, please contact Luke Law on 07827 931480 or lukelaw@aoa.org.uk
About the Airport Operators Association
Who we are:
The Airport Operators Association (AOA) is the trade association that represents UK airports.
What we do:
Our mission is to see UK airports grow sustainably. We represent the views of UK airports to Government, Parliament and Regulators to secure policy outcomes that help deliver our mission.
Who we represent:
The AOA represents 71 commercial airports and general aviation airfields in the UK ranging from Heathrow as the largest member to aerodromes such as Elstree and Denham.